System and method for display with lens

Abstract

We provide display systems. [Solution] The lens-equipped display system includes a projector configured to project an image. The lens-equipped display system includes a lens formed of glass or a crystalline material. The lens includes a first surface, at least a portion of which includes a coating configured to display the projected image. The lens includes a second surface, configured to face the user and including a transparent curved surface that allows the user to view the image projected onto the coating through the transparent curved surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority and the benefit thereof based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 979,754, filed on February 21, 2020, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR LENSED DISPLAY", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to displays for amusement park attractions and experiences.

Background Art

[0003] [[ID=X18]]This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to the various aspects of the technology described and / or claimed below. This discussion is thought to be useful in showing the reader the background circumstances and facilitating a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, these descriptions should not be construed as an admission of prior art, but should be read from the above perspective.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Note: In the translation of line [ID = 18], the original text seems to have some issues in grammar and expression. I have tried my best to make the translation conform to the overall context while maintaining the original meaning as much as possible. If you have any further questions, please feel free to let me know.Amusement parks often include attractions or experiences that use video and / or still images to provide entertainment and enjoyment to their guests. For example, an attraction may include an established themed environment using display devices that show media content (e.g., in the form of video, text, still images, motion graphics, or a combination thereof). In some attractions, it may be desirable to display media content with special visual effects to create a realistic and / or immersive viewing or play experience for the audience. In one example, such special visual effects may be achieved using holographic technology, where the media content is displayed using a hologram produced by illuminating a holographic medium that encodes the light field emanating from the scene as an interference pattern. When the holographic medium is properly illuminated with a light source, the interference pattern diffracts the light, resulting in a three-dimensional holographic image that expresses depth such as parallax and perspective. However, displaying media content via holographic images (for example, via a holographic medium that encodes the light field emanating from a scene as an interference pattern) can be difficult due to considerations such as cost, space, equipment availability, viewing area environment, target audience, and / or video (moving visual image) performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Specific embodiments corresponding to the scope of the subject matter originally claimed are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather to provide only a brief summary of possible forms of the subject matter. In fact, the subject matter can encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments shown below.

[0006] In one embodiment, a display system with a lens includes a projector configured to project an image. The display system with a lens includes a lens formed of glass, crystal, or polymer material. The lens includes a first surface, at least a portion of which includes a coating configured to display the projected image. The lens includes a second surface, configured to face the user, and including a transparent curved surface that allows the user to view the image projected onto the coating of the first surface through the transparent curved surface.

[0007] In another embodiment, the display system with a lens includes a projector configured to project an image. The display system with a lens includes a lens made of glass, crystal, or polymer material. The lens includes a radially inward curved surface configured to face the direction of the projector and includes a coating configured to display the projected image. The lens includes a radially outward curved surface configured to face away from the projector and is configured so that a user can view the image projected onto the coating of the radially inward curved surface through the radially outward curved surface.

[0008] In another embodiment, the display system with a lens includes a projector configured to project an image. The display system with a lens includes a lens formed of glass, crystal, or polymer material. The lens includes a first surface configured to face toward the projector and at least a portion of which includes a coating configured to display the projected image. The lens includes a second surface configured to face toward away from the projector and configured so that a user can view the image projected onto the coating through the second surface. The display system with a lens also includes a cover configured to be coupled to the lens.

[0009] Various improvements to the features described above may be implemented in connection with various aspects of this disclosure. Further features may also be incorporated into these various aspects. These improved and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings, where the same letters throughout the drawings represent the same parts. [Figure 1] This figure shows a display system with a lens, including a projector and a lens, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows a display system with a lens, including a projector and a hemispherical lens, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows a display system with a lens, including a lens and a cover, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows a display system with a lens, including a lens having a recess disposed therein, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] One or more specific embodiments of this disclosure are described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementations may be described herein. Please understand that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, a number of implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, and these may differ from implementation to implementation. Furthermore, please understand that while such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, they are nevertheless routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing tasks for the average engineer interested in this disclosure. Furthermore, to the extent that certain terms such as parallel and perpendicular are used herein, please understand that these terms allow for certain deviations from their strict mathematical definitions, for example, to allow for deviations related to manufacturing imperfections and associated tolerances.

[0012] When describing elements of the various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to indicate that there is one or more of those elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to indicate comprehensiveness and mean that there may be additional elements other than those listed. Furthermore, it should be understood that any reference in this disclosure to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the mentioned features.

[0013] This disclosure generally relates to lensed display systems and methods, and more particularly to lensed display systems capable of producing displays for amusement park attractions and experiences. Attractions may include any type of ride system designed to entertain passengers, such as attractions including ride vehicles that move along a path, or attractions including rooms or theaters with fixed or moving seats for passengers to sit in while watching videos. In particular, the lensed display system provides a display having visual effects similar to holographic images (e.g., depth effects, parallax, 3D effects), but without the challenges and / or costs associated with providing such holographic images. Furthermore, while the disclosed embodiments generally discuss lensed display systems used for entertainment purposes, the disclosed embodiments may also apply to lensed display systems used for any other suitable purposes.

[0014] With the above in mind, Figure 1 shows a lensed display system 100, including a projector 102 and a lens 106, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The projector 102 can project an image 104 (e.g., a still image, a moving image) onto the curved (i.e., spherical) outer surface (e.g., a coated surface having a coating 108) of the lens 106. The projector 102 can be a still image projector, a moving image projector, or any other suitable type of projector. In certain embodiments, the projector 102 can be a rear-facing projector (e.g., capable of inverting the projected image 104) and / or can be positioned on the opposite side of the lens 106 from the user 110, as shown.

[0015] In the illustrated embodiment, lens 106 is a spherical lens (for example, having a curved outer surface located radially from the center). As shown, the spherical lens can be a solid sphere. In some embodiments, lens 106 can have a diameter of at least 7 centimeters (cm) (e.g., 8cm, 9cm, 10cm, 20cm, 30cm). Lens 106 can be formed from any suitable transparent material. Lens 106 can be formed from a glass material. Alternatively, lens 106 can be formed from a crystalline material, a polymer material, or any other suitable material having a refractive index in the range of 1 to 2. In certain embodiments, the refractive index of lens 106 can be in the range of about 1 to 2, 1.2 to 1.8, or 1.4 to 1.6, etc. In some embodiments, the reflectance of lens 106 can be equal to or less than about 10 percent, 5 percent, or 3 percent. In certain embodiments, the transmittance of lens 106 can be equal to or greater than approximately 80 percent, 90 percent, or 95 percent.

[0016] The lens 106 may include a coating 108 on its curved outer surface. The coating 108 can be applied to at least a portion (e.g., about 5 percent, 10 percent, or 20 percent) of the curved outer surface of the lens 106. The coating 108 can be a projection paint applied to the curved outer surface of the lens 106, a projection film attached to the curved outer surface of the lens 106, or any other type of coating that enables the display of an image 104 projected by the projector 102. In certain embodiments, the coating 108 may be a back-projection coating that allows the image 104 to be viewed by a user 110 (e.g., on the opposite side of the lens 106, as shown) through the coating 108.

[0017] In this way, user 110 can view the image 104 through the lens 106. As shown, a first portion of the curved outer surface having the coating 108 can face the direction of the projector 102, and a second portion of the curved outer surface can face away from the projector 102 (and towards user 110 while user 110 is present). The first portion of the curved outer surface can be positioned between the projector 102 and the second portion of the curved outer surface. For example, user 110 can view the image 104 by looking through the second portion of the curved outer surface of the lens 106 that is opposite to the first portion of the curved outer surface. The lens 106 may distort the image 104 projected onto the coating 108. As a result, the image 104 may appear (e.g., to user 110) as if it were displayed inside the lens 106. Additionally or alternatively, the lens 106 may distort the image 104 and produce a three-dimensional effect of the image 104. It should be understood that lens 106 can have a variety of other configurations. For example, lens 106 can include any suitable curved outer surface and can be any suitable biconvex or isoconvex lens (e.g., the first radius of curvature on the first surface is equal to the second radius of curvature on the second surface). In some embodiments, user 110 can view image 104 as part of an attraction, such as while user 110 is inside a vehicle.

[0018] Figure 2 shows a lensed display system 200, which includes a projector 202 and a lens 206. The projector 202 can project an image 204 (e.g., a still image, a moving image) onto the surface of the lens 206 (e.g., a coated surface). The projector 202 can be a still image projector, a moving image projector, or any other suitable type of projector. In certain embodiments, the projector 202 can be a rear-facing projector (e.g., capable of inverting the projected image 204) and / or can be positioned on the opposite side of the lens 206 from the user 208, as shown.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, lens 206 is a hemispherical lens (e.g., having a curved (e.g., spherical) outer surface located radially from the center; half of a sphere; spherical notch). As shown, lens 206 can be a solid hemisphere or spherical notch. Thus, lens 206 can be a plano-convex lens. For example, lens 206 may include a first plane facing the direction of the projector 202 and a second convex surface (e.g., a curved outer surface) facing away from the projector 202 (and toward the user 208 while the user 208 is present). In certain embodiments, the first plane may be positioned between the projector 202 and the second convex surface. Alternatively, lens 206 may include a hollow cavity (e.g., a recess) within the lens 206. Therefore, instead of a first plane facing the direction of the projector 202, the lens 206 may include a first curved inner surface (e.g., a concave surface) facing the direction of the projector 202.

[0020] In some embodiments, the lens 206 may have a diameter of at least 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, or 30 cm. The lens 206 may be formed from any suitable transparent material. The lens 206 may be formed from a glass material. Alternatively, the lens 206 may be formed from a crystalline material, a polymer material, or any other suitable material having a refractive index between 1 and 2. In certain embodiments, the refractive index of the lens 206 may be in the range of about 1 to 2, 1.2 to 1.8, or 1.4 to 1.6, etc. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the lens 206 may be equal to or less than about 10 percent, 5 percent, or 3 percent. In certain embodiments, the transmittance of the lens 206 may be equal to or greater than about 80 percent, 90 percent, or 95 percent.

[0021] Lens 206 can include a coating on a first plane of the lens 206. For example, the coating can be applied to at least a portion of the first plane of the lens 206. The coating can be a projection paint applied on the first plane of the lens 106, a projection film adhered on the first plane of the lens 106, or any other type of coating that enables the display of the image 204 projected by the projector 202. In certain embodiments, the coating can be a rear projection coating that allows the image 204 to pass through the coating and be viewed by the user 208 (e.g., on the opposite side of the lens 206). As described above, instead of the first plane facing the direction of the projector 202, the lens 206 can include a first curved inner surface (e.g., a concave surface) facing the direction of the projector 202. In such a case, the lens 206 can include a coating on the first curved inner surface.

[0022] In this way, the user 208 can view the image 204 through the lens 206. In some embodiments, the first surface (e.g., the first, flat; curved inner surface) of the lens 206 having the coating can face the direction of the projector 202, and the second surface (e.g., the second, convex; curved outer surface) can face away from the projector (and towards the user 208 while the user 208 is present). The first surface can be disposed between the projector 202 and the second surface. For example, the user 208 can view the image 204 projected on the first surface by looking through the second surface of the lens 206 on the opposite side of the first surface. The lens 206 may distort the image 204 projected on the coating. As a result, the image 204 can appear to the user 208 as if it is displayed inside the lens 206. Additionally or alternatively, the lens 206 can distort the image 204 and generate a three-dimensional effect of the image 204. In some embodiments, the user 208 can view the image 204 as part of an attraction, such as while the user 208 is inside a vehicle.

[0023] With the above in mind, FIG. 3 shows a lens display system 210 including a lens 212 and a cover 216. The lens 212 in FIG. 3 can be similar to the lens 206 in FIG. 2. In fact, the lens 212 in FIG. 3 can include any of the features of the lens 206 in FIG. 2 (e.g., a hollow cavity formed by a first curved [e.g., spherical] inner surface), and the lens 206 in FIG. 2 can include any of the features of the lens 212 in FIG. 3 (e.g., a first, planar surface having a coating 214). Further, the lens 212 in FIG. 3 (with or without the cover 216 in FIG. 3) can be used in the lens display system 200 in FIG. 2 in place of the lens 206 in FIG. 2.

[0024] As shown, the lens 212 is a hemispherical lens. The lens 212 can be a solid hemisphere or a spherical segment. Thus, the lens  212 can be a plano-convex lens. In such a case, the lens 212 can include a first planar surface and a second curved (e.g., spherical) surface (e.g., a curved outer surface). The lens 212 can include a coating 214 on the first planar surface. The coating 214 can be a projection paint applied on the first planar surface of the lens 212, a projection film adhered on the first planar surface of the lens 212, or any other type of coating that enables the display of an image projected by a projector such as the projector 202 in FIG. 2. In a particular embodiment, the coating 214 can be a rear-projection coating that allows an image to pass through the coating 214 and be viewed by a user (e.g., on the opposite side of the lens 212). As described above, the lens 212 can include a hollow cavity 218 shown in dotted lines for ease of discussion. For example, a portion of the first planar surface of the lens 212 can be milled to form a curved (e.g., spherical) inner surface (e.g., a concave surface). In such a case, the coating 214 can be applied to at least a portion of the curved inner surface.

[0025] In some embodiments, the lens-equipped display system 210 may include a cover 216. As shown, the cover 216 may have a hemispherical shape or be spherically notched. In certain embodiments, the cover 216 may be a hemispherical shell containing an internal cavity (e.g., a hollow cavity or recess). In some embodiments, the cover 216 may be formed from a glass material, a crystalline material, or a thermoplastic material. For example, the cover 216 may be formed from an acrylic material. In certain embodiments, the reflectivity of the cover 216 may be equal to or less than about 10 percent, 5 percent, or 3 percent. In some embodiments, the transmittance of the cover 216 may be equal to or greater than about 80 percent, 90 percent, or 95 percent. In certain embodiments, the refractive index of the cover 216 may be in the range of about 1 to 2, 1.2 to 1.8, or 1.4 to 1.6, etc. The cover 216 may be bonded to the lens 212 (e.g., via an adhesive). In some embodiments, when joined together, the lens 212 and the cover 216 can form a spherical shape (e.g., forming a perfect sphere; having substantially equal radii). The cover 216 can allow an image projected by a projector, such as the projector 202 in Figure 2, positioned on one side of the display system 210 with lenses, to pass through the cover 216 and be displayed on the coating 214 for visualization by a user (e.g., on the other side of the display system 210 with lenses, opposite the lens 212; viewed through the second curved surface of the lens 212) without any discernible distortion of the image. As a result, the image may appear (e.g., to the user) as if it were displayed inside the lens 212.

[0026] The cover 216 can be formed by molding, milling, or any other suitable forming process. For example, the cover 216 can be formed by pouring resin into a mold. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the cover 216 can be milled to remove additional material from the cover 216. For example, the cover 216 can be formed into a hemispherical shell by milling an internal cavity into the cover 216.

[0027] Figure 4 shows a lensed display system 300, which includes a lens 304 and a set of projectors 302A, 302B, and 302C (collectively referred to as projector 302). Projector 302 can be a still image projector, a moving image projector, or any other suitable type of projector. In certain embodiments, projector 302 can be a rear-facing projector (for example, capable of inverting the projected image) and / or can be positioned on the opposite side of lens 304 from the user. As shown, each of projector 302 can project light in its respective, different direction (for example, a first projector can project light around a first axis, and a second projector can project light around a second axis different from the first axis). Such embodiments can enable users to view images (for example, a first image via a first projector and a second image via a second projector, where the first and second images may be the same or different from each other) while standing at different positions relative to the lens 304, and / or enable multiple users to view images while standing at different positions relative to the lens 304.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the lens 304 is a spherical shell. For example, the lens 304 includes a curved (e.g., spherical) outer surface 306 (e.g., radial outer surface) which is at least a portion of a sphere, for example, at least half of a sphere (e.g., two-thirds, three-quarters, four-fifths). The lens 304 may include a hollow cavity 310 located inside the lens 304. The hollow cavity 310 of the lens 304 can be formed by milling at least a portion of the lens 304. In certain embodiments, the lens 304 may include an opening from which the projector 302 projects an image.

[0029] The lens 304 may include a curved outer surface 306 and a curved (e.g., spherical) inner surface 308 (e.g., a radial inner surface). In certain embodiments, the curved outer surface 306 may be oriented away from the projector 302 (e.g., towards the user while the user is present), and the curved inner surface 308 may be oriented toward the projector 302. The curved inner surface 308 may be positioned between the projector 302 and the curved outer surface 306. For example, a user can view an image by looking through the curved outer surface 306. The lens 304 may have a diameter of at least 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, or 30 cm. The lens 304 may have a thickness 312 (e.g., radial thickness) measured between the curved outer surface 306 and the curved inner surface 308. The thickness 312 may be equal to or greater than about 2 cm (e.g., 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm). In certain embodiments, the thickness 312 of the lens 304 can be uniform. Alternatively, the thickness 312 can vary throughout the lens 304 (for example, the smallest thickness may be located in the portion directly facing the projector 302).

[0030] The curved inner surface 308 may include a coating 314. For example, the coating 314 can be applied to at least a portion of the curved inner surface 308. The coating 314 can be a projection paint applied to the curved outer surface of the lens 306, a projection film attached to the curved outer surface of the lens 306, or any other type of coating that enables the display of an image projected by the projector 302. In certain embodiments, the coating 314 may be a back-projection coating that allows the image to pass through the coating 314 and be seen by the user (for example, from the projector 302 on the opposite side of the coating 314 and lens 304).

[0031] In this way, the user can view the image through the lens 304. In particular, the lens 304 may distort the image projected onto the coating 314. As a result, the image may appear (to the user, for example) as if it were displayed inside the lens 304. Additionally or alternatively, the lens 304 can distort the image and produce a three-dimensional effect on the image. In some embodiments, the user can view the image as part of an attraction, such as while the user is inside a vehicle.

[0032] While this specification illustrates and describes only a few features of the present disclosure, many modifications and changes will come to mind for those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0033] The claimed technologies described herein refer to and apply to concrete examples of material objects and practical properties that certainly improve the art, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any of the claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as "...means for performing [function]" or "...steps for performing [function]," such elements should be interpreted in accordance with 112(f) of the U.S. Patent Act. On the other hand, any claim containing elements designated in any other form should not be interpreted in accordance with 112(f) of the U.S. Patent Act. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0034] 100-lens display system 102 Projector 104 images 106 Lens 108 Coating 110 users

Claims

1. A display system with a lens, A projector configured to project images, A lens made of glass, crystal, or polymer material, A first surface, wherein at least a portion of the first surface includes a coating configured to display the image, A second surface, the second surface including a transparent curved surface configured to face the user and to allow the user to see the image projected onto the coating through the transparent curved surface, Lenses, A display system with a lens, equipped with the necessary features.

2. The lens-equipped display system according to claim 1, wherein the first surface includes a plane.

3. The lens-equipped display system according to claim 1, wherein the first surface includes a convex surface.

4. The lens-equipped display system according to claim 1, wherein the coating includes a back projection coating.

5. The lens-equipped display system according to claim 1, wherein the first surface includes a concave surface.

6. The lens-equipped display system according to claim 1, wherein the lens includes a spherical shape.

7. A display system with a lens, A projector configured to project images, A lens made of glass, crystal, or polymer material, A radially inward curved surface, the radially inward curved surface including a coating configured to face the direction of the projector and to display the image, A radially outward curved surface, the radially outward curved surface is configured to face away from the projector, and the user is configured to be able to see the image projected onto the coating through the radially outward curved surface, Lenses, A display system with a lens, equipped with the necessary features.

8. The lens-equipped display system according to claim 7, comprising a hollow cavity defined by the radially inward curved surface.

9. The lens-equipped display system according to claim 7, wherein the radially inward curved surface is positioned between the radially outward curved surface and the projector.

10. The lens-equipped display system according to claim 9, wherein the thickness of the lens between the radially inward curved surface and the radially outward curved surface is at least 2 centimeters.

11. The lens-equipped display system according to claim 7, wherein the diameter of the lens is at least 30 centimeters.

12. The display system with a lens according to claim 7, wherein the refractive index of the glass, crystal, or polymer material of the lens is between 1.4 and 1.

6.

13. The display system with a lens according to claim 7, wherein the lens includes a spherical shape.

14. A display system with a lens, A projector configured to project images, A lens made of glass, crystal, or polymer material, A first surface, wherein the first surface is configured to face the direction of the projector, and at least a portion of the first surface includes a coating configured to display the image, A second surface, wherein the second surface is configured to face away from the projector, and the user can view the image projected onto the coating through the second surface, Lenses, A cover configured to be coupled to the aforementioned lens, A display system with a lens, equipped with the necessary features.

15. The lens-equipped display system according to claim 14, wherein the first surface includes a concave surface.

16. The lens-equipped display system according to claim 14, wherein the cover is formed of an acrylic material.

17. The lens-equipped display system according to claim 14, wherein the cover includes a hemispherical shell.

18. The lens-equipped display system according to claim 14, wherein the cover is disposed between the projector and the lens.

19. The lens-equipped display system according to claim 14, wherein the cover is bonded to the lens by adhesive.

20. The lens-equipped display system according to claim 14, wherein the cover is configured so that the image can pass through the coating.

Images